New partnership with Unifor to enhance Reconciliation movement among youth

Today, on National Aboriginal Day, we’re pleased to announce that Unifor, Canada’s largest labour union, is partnering with Community Foundations of Canada and the 4Rs Youth Movementto create shared learning spaces where Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth can come together and build new relationships, as a contribution to the Reconciliation movement.

Community Foundations of Canada has declared its interest in Reconciliation as a key piece in its broader focus on “belonging” in our communities and Canada as a whole. This work with Unifor and the 4Rs, alongside our recent Vital Signs reports, the Welcome Fund for Syrian Refugees and our 2017 conference all contribute to belonging.

Over the next two years, this partnership between Community Foundations of Canada, Unifor and the 4Rs, supported by engagement from 10 community foundations across the country, will bring together a diversity of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to experience the 4Rs framework for cross-cultural dialogue; deepening the relationships of hundreds of young people from coast to coast to coast. This is all in support of creating a meaningful experience for young leaders that provides new skills, tools and insights to support reconciliation and solidarity work in their communities.

The 4Rs brings a unique perspective to this work. “4Rs has evolved over the past three years as a collaborative, youth-led initiative seeking to change the country by changing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people,” said Jessica Bolduc, Executive Director of the 4Rs. “We have learned that in approaching cross-cultural relationship building in the context of our shared history, that the 4Rs values of respect, reciprocity, reconciliation and relevance must be centred so to enable dialogue that empowers and inspires young people to make change.”

This initiative and partnership is part of Unifor’s broader commitment to equity and inclusion. “We’re looking forward to our partnership with the 4Rs Youth Movement and Community Foundations of Canada as an opportunity to work with Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth seeking ‎true Reconciliation and better future,” said Mohamad Alsadi, Unifor’s Director, Human Rights and International Department.

Community Foundations of Canada’s role is to engage and work with local community foundations to help them be part of these events – as funders, as hosts, as participants, as learners – to build their role and to mobilize their assets towards Reconciliation.

“Community foundations across the country have a critical role to play in leading conversations about Reconciliation, and building knowledge, skills and connections. By partnering with the 4Rs Youth Movement and community foundations, Unifor and Community Foundations of Canada are creating exciting momentum around this work for our movement,” said Sara Lyons, Director, Strategic Initiatives, Community Foundations of Canada.

These dialogues will culminate in a signature event at the 2017 Community Foundations Conference in Ottawa-Gatineau where participants will have an opportunity to share their insights and experiences with more than 600 community leaders.

Thank you to Unifor, the 4Rs Youth Movement and participating community foundations for your support. Stay tuned for updates to follow!